addiction

Addiction

Definition

Addiction is a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance. The term has been partially replaced by the word dependence for substance abuse. Addiction has been extended, however, to include mood-altering behaviors or activities. Some researchers speak of two types of addictions: substance addictions (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking); and process addictions (for example, gambling, spending, shopping, eating, and sexual activity). There is a growing recognition that many addicts, such as polydrug abusers, are addicted to more than one substance or process.

Description

Addiction is one of the most costly public health problems in the United States. It is a progressive syndrome, which means that it increases in severity over time unless it is treated. Substance abuse is characterized by frequent relapse, or return to the abused substance. Substance abusers often make repeated attempts to quit before they are successful.

The economic cost of substance abuse in the United States exceeds $414 billion, with health care costs attributed to substance abuse estimated at more than $114 billion.

By eighth grade, 52% of adolescents have consumed alcohol, 41% have smoked tobacco, and 20% have smoked marijuana. Compared to females, males are almost four times as likely to be heavy drinkers, nearly one and a half more likely to smoke a pack or more of cigarettes daily, and twice as likely to smoke marijuana weekly. However, among adolescents these gender differences are not as pronounced and girls are almost as likely to abuse substances such as alcohol and cigarettes. Although frequent use of tobacco, cocaine and heavy drinking appears to remain stable in the 1990s, marijuana use has increased.

An estimated four million Americans over the age of 12 used prescription pain relievers, sedatives, and stimulants for "nonmedical" reasons during one month.

In the United States, 25% of the population regularly uses tobacco. Tobacco use reportedly kills 2.5 times as many people each year as alcohol and drug abuse combined. According to data from the World Health Organization, there were 1.1 billion smokers worldwide and 10,000 tobacco-related deaths per day. Furthermore, in the United States, 43% of children aged 2-11 years are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, which has been implicated in sudden infant death syndrome, low birth weight, asthma, middle ear disease, pneumonia, cough, and upper respiratory infection.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating, affect more than five million American women and men. Fifteen percent of young women have substantially disordered attitudes toward eating and eating behaviors. More than 1,000 women die each year from anorexia nervosa.

A Harvard study found that an estimated 15.4 million Americans suffered from a gambling addiction. More than one-half (7.9 million) were adolescents.

Causes and symptoms

Addiction to substances results from the interaction of several factors:

Drug chemistry

Some substances are more addictive than others, either because they produce a rapid and intense change in mood; or because they produce painful withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly.

Genetic factor

Some people appear to be more vulnerable to addiction because their body chemistry increases their sensitivity to drugs. Some forms of substance abuse and dependence seem to run in families; and this may be the result of a genetic predisposition, environmental influences, or a combination of both.

Key terms

Addictive personality — A concept that was formerly used to explain addiction as the result of pre-existing character defects in individuals.

Tolerance — A condition in which an addict needs higher doses of a substance to achieve the same effect previously achieved with a lower dose.

Withdrawal — The unpleasant, sometimes life-threatening physiological changes that occur, due to the discontinuation of use of some drugs after prolonged, regular use.

Brain structure and function

Using drugs repeatedly over time changes brain structure and function in fundamental and long-lasting ways. Addiction comes about through an array of changes in the brain and the strengthening of new memory connections. Evidence suggests that those long-lasting brain changes are responsible for the distortions of cognitive and emotional functioning that characterize addicts, particularly the compulsion to use drugs. Although the causes of addiction remain the subject of ongoing debate and research, many experts now consider addiction to be a brain disease: a condition caused by persistent changes in brain structure and function. However, having this brain disease does not absolve the addict of responsibility for his or her behavior, but it does explain why many addicts cannot stop using drugs by sheer force of will alone.

Scientists may have come closer to solving the brain's specific involvement in addiction in 2004. Psychiatrists say they have found the craving center of the brain that triggers relapse in addicts. The anterior cingulated cortex in the frontal lobe of the brain is the area responsible for long-term craving in addicts. Knowing the area of the brain from which long-term cravings come may help scientists pinpoint therapies.

Social learning

Social learning is considered the most important single factor in addiction. It includes patterns of use in the addict's family or subculture, peer pressure, and advertising or media influence.

Availability

Inexpensive or readily available tobacco, alcohol, or drugs produce marked increases in rates of addiction.

Individual development

Before the 1980s, the so-called addictive personality was used to explain the development of addiction. The addictive personality was described as escapist, impulsive, dependent, devious, manipulative, and self-centered. Many doctors now believe that these character traits develop in addicts as a result of the addiction, rather than the traits being a cause of the addiction.

Diagnosis

In addition to a preoccupation with using and acquiring the abused substance, the diagnosis of addiction is based on five criteria:

loss of willpower

harmful consequences

unmanageable lifestyle

tolerance or escalation of use

withdrawal symptoms upon quitting

Treatment

Treatment requires both medical and social approaches. Substance addicts may need hospital treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms. Individual or group psychotherapy is often helpful, but only after substance use has stopped. Anti-addiction medications, such as methadone and naltrexone, are also commonly used. A new treatment option has been developed that allows family physicians to treat heroine addiction from their offices rather than sending patients to methadone clinics. The drug is called buprenorphine (Suboxone).

Researchers continue to work to identify workable pharmacological treatments for various addictions. In 2004, clinical trials were testing a number of drugs currently in use for other diseases and conditions to see if they could be used to treat addiction. This would speed up their approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For example, cocaine withdrawal is eased by boosting dopamine levels in the brain, so scientists are studying drugs that boost dopamine, such as Ritalin, which is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and amantadine, a drug used for flu and Parkinson's diease.

The most frequently recommended social form of outpatient treatment is the twelve-step program. Such programs are also frequently combined with psychotherapy. According to a recent study reported by the American Psychological Association (APA), anyone, regardless of his or her religious beliefs or lack of religious beliefs, can benefit from participation in 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The number of visits to 12-step self-help groups exceeds the number of visits to all mental health professionals combined. There are twelve-step groups for all major substance and process addictions.

The Twelve Steps are:

Admit powerlessness over the addiction.

Believe that a Power greater than oneself could restore sanity.

Make a decision to turn your will and your life over to the care of God, as you understand him.

Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of self.

Admit to God, yourself, and another human being the exact nature of your wrongs.

Become willing to have God remove all these defects from your character.

Humbly ask God to remove shortcomings.

Make a list of all persons harmed by your wrongs and become willing to make amends to them all.

Make direct amends to such people, whenever possible except when to do so would injure them or others.

Continue to take personal inventory and promptly admit any future wrongdoings.

Seek to improve contact with a God of the individual's understanding through meditation and prayer.

Carry the message of spiritual awakening to others and practice these principles in all your affairs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for recovery from any addiction depends on the substance or process, the individual's circumstances, and underlying personality structure. Polydrug users have the worst prognosis for recovery.

Prevention

The most effective form of prevention appears to be a stable family that models responsible attitudes toward mood-altering substances and behaviors. Prevention education programs are also widely used to inform the public of the harmfulness of substance abuse.

addiction

[ah-dik´shun]

1. the state of being given up to some habit or compulsion.

2. strong physiological and psychological dependence on a drug or other agent; see alcoholism and drug dependence.

drug addiction a state of heavy dependence on a drug; sometimes defined as physical dependence but usually also including emotional dependence, i.e., compulsive or pathological drug use. It is often used synonymously with drug dependence.

ad·dic·tion

(ă-dik'shŭn),

Habitual psychological or physiologic dependence on a substance or practice that is beyond voluntary control.

[L. ad-dico, pp. -dictus, consent, fr. ad- + dico, to say]

addiction

/ad·dic·tion/ (ah-dik´shun)

1. the state of being given up to some habit or compulsion.

2. strong physiological and psychological dependence on a drug or other psychoactive substance.

addiction

(ə-dĭk′shən)

n.

a. A condition involving use of a substance, such as a drug or alcohol, or engagement in a behavior, such as gambling, in which a person has strong cravings, is unable to stop or limit the activity, continues the activity despite harmful consequences, and experiences distress upon discontinuance: a drug used in the treatment of heroin addiction.

b. An instance of this: a person with a sex addiction.

addiction

[ədik′shən]

a compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a chemical substance, habit, or practice to such a degree that either the means of obtaining or ceasing use may cause severe emotional, mental, or physiological reactions. Compare habituation.

Addiction

Psychiatry A preoccupation with and compulsive use of a substance despite recurrent adverse consequences; addiction often involves a loss of control and increased tolerance, and may be associated with a biological predisposition.Sexology A state characterised by habitually and compulsively engaging in stereotyped activity regardless of potentially negative consequences. In sexual addiction, it is not the activity that is addicting, but rather the object toward which the activity is directed.Substance abuse (1) A physiologic, physical, or psychological state of dependency on a substance—or pattern of compulsive use—which is characterised by tolerance, craving, and a withdrawal syndrome when intake of the substance is reduced or stopped; the most common addictions are to alcohol, caffeine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, nicotine, amphetamines.Risk of addiction Cocaine, amphetamines > opiates & nicotine > alcohol, benzodiazepine, barbiturates > cannabis, hallucinogens, caffeine.(2) A disorder involving use of opioids wherein there is a loss of control, compulsive use, and continued use despite adverse social, physical, psychological, occupational, or economic consequences.(3) A neurobehavioural syndrome with genetic and environmental influences that results in psychological dependence on the use of substances for their psychic effects; addiction is characterised by compulsive use despite harm.Criteria that define an addiction 1. Taking the drug more often or in larger amounts than intended.2. Unsuccessful attempts to quit, persistent desire to use the agent, craving for drug.3. Excessive time spent in procuring drug.4. Intoxication or withdrawal symptoms at inappropriate times.5. Sacrifice of other activities or things for the drug.6. Continued use of drug despite knowledge of its harm.7. Marked tolerance for the drug.8. Typical withdrawal symptoms.9. Use of drug to avoid or alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

addiction

Psychiatry A preoccupation with and compulsive use of a substance despite recurrent adverse consequences; addiction often involves a loss of control and ↑ tolerance, and may be associated with a biological predisposition to addiction. See Sexual addiction. Cf Dependence Substance abuse

1. A physiologic, physical, or psychological state of dependency on a substance–or pattern of complusive use, which is characterized by tolerance, craving, and a withdrawal syndrome when intake of the substance is reduced or stopped; the most common addictions are to alcohol, caffeine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, nicotine–the tobacco industry argues that nicotine's addictive properties are unproven, amphetamines Risk of addiction Cocaine, amphetamines > opiates & nicotine > alcohol, benzodiazepine, barbiturates > cannabis, hallucinogens, caffeine.

2. A disorder involving use of opioids wherein there is a loss of control, compulsive use, and continued use despite adverse social, physical, psychological, occupational, or economic consequences. See Substance abuse.

3. A neurobehavioral syndrome with genetic and environmental influences that results in psychological dependence on the use of substances for their psychic effects; addiction is characterized by compulsive use despite harm. See Pain. Cf Chronic pain.

ad·dic·tion

(ă-dik'shŭn)

Habitual psychological and physiologic dependence on a substance or practice that is beyond voluntary control. Commonly abused substances include alcohol and drugs, although gasoline intoxication has been found among Aboriginal youth in Nunavit in northern Canada and among poor Hispanics in the U.S.

[L. ad-dico, pp. -dictus, consent, fr. ad- + dico, to say]

addiction

Dependence for comfort of mind or body on the repeated use of a drug such as nicotine, alcohol or heroin. In some cases, the addiction is physiological-that is, the use of the drug has led to persistent changes in the way the body functions, so that its absence causes physical symptoms (withdrawal symptoms). In others, the dependence is psychological only. Research on rats has indicated that strong conditioned reflexes are often associated with drug addiction and that these make relapses more likely. The nucleus accumbens, linking the dopamine system with the limbic system appears to be importantly involved in addiction.

addiction

dependency on chemical substances such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Also more recently applied in exercise settings to a dependency on regular exercise. See alsoexercise dependence.

ad·dic·tion

(ă-dik'shŭn)

Habitual psychological or physiologic dependence on a substance or practice that is beyond voluntary control.

[L. ad-dico, pp. -dictus, consent, fr. ad- + dico, to say]

addiction (ədik´shən),

n the state of being addicted. Although there is no universally accepted definition, addiction is generally considered a condition involving two factors: (1) a compulsive behavior pattern, and (2) an altered physiologic state that requires continued use of the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

addiction

physiological dependence on some agent, usually a plant, with a tendency to increase its use. Whether true addiction ever occurs in animals is doubtful. Field evidence does point to preferential grazing of some known toxic plants, e.g. Astragalus, Swainsona spp.

drug addiction

abuse of narcotic drugs is a hazard of veterinary practice because of the availability of addictive agents to registered veterinarians. The same laws apply to members of the veterinary profession as to the medical profession and are designed to protect them against becoming dependent upon any drug. Deregistration and a consequent isolation from the prohibited substances is the usual penalty.

Patient discussion about addiction

Q. Am I addicted to caffeine? I love coffee! I can't start my day without it. I drink about 5 cups a day. How do I know if I am addicted?

A. When your body starts shaking, your heartbeat flutters, you feel lightheaded, you want to mow the lawn at 1 a.m., they are symptons I've had of a caffeine overdose. Drink lots of water and hydrating drinks! Stay away from Mountain Dew!!!!

Q. Am I addicted to smoking? I only smoke when I go out with my friends to a pub and at parties. Does this make me an addict?

A. You might not be addicted; however you shouldn't smoke at all since it is very unhealthy. If all your friends smoke, maybe you should start hanging out with non smoking friends as well or take your smoking friends out to places where they can't smoke and then you will not feel obligated to join them.

Q. How would you define Addiction? In every aspect of life ...

A. Thank you cerebralknevil for your answer. It's so imporant that we listen and support one another. Will you be interested in helping more people here?

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